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The 5 Best Marijuana Strains for Arthritis

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Arthritis can be very painful, and almost half of Americans will develop some type of arthritis by age 84, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 67 million American adults will have arthritis by 2030.

In addition to joint pain, arthritis is associated with foot inflammation and morning stiffness. It turns out that a marijuana “wake and bake” session could actually help with morning pains.

ATTN: previously reported on the benefits of medical marijuana to treat general chronic pain, including that from arthritis. A 2011 study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that "it is reasonable to consider cannabinoids as a treatment option for the management of chronic neuropathic pain, with evidence of efficacy in other types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis as well."

A separate 2013 study in the journal Rheumatology said that cannabis may be an effective treatment for joint pain. And a study published in the American Pain Society's Journal of Pain showed that patients who used marijuana for one year to treat general chronic pain had reduced discomfort and no serious side effects.

"[We] noted significant improvements in pain intensity and the physical dimension of quality of life over one year among the cannabis users, compared to controls," the researchers wrote. "There was also significant improvement among cannabis users in measures of the sensory component of pain, symptom distress, and total mood disturbance compared to controls."

There are different strains of marijuana that may help, and Leafly, a cannabis information resource that uses crowdsourcing to collect information on marijuana, has compiled a guide to them. Leafly, which describes itself as the "World's Cannabis Information Resource," came up with five easily accessible strains that may help with arthritis, based on an analysis of users' feedback.

Here are five strains of marijuana that may help with arthritis.

1. Pennywise

Pennywise is thought to be good for relieving pain in arthritis patients. It's an indica cross between Harlequin and Jack the Ripper. Its psychoactive effects are on the milder side. It's also a good strain to treat post traumatic stress disorder, cancer symptoms, epilepsy, and neurological disorders, according to Leafly users.

2. Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain known to induce "clear-headed alert sativa effects." Users said it is one of the most effective strains for pain and anxiety because it's able to allow a person to relax without being sedated.

3. Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a hybrid strain bred to have a low THC content. According to Leafly users, it gives the smoker a "short-lived, mellow high that is also uplifting and powerfully relaxing. It's used to treat muscle spasms, pain, anxiety, and migraines.

4. White Berry

White Berry is a hybrid strain. If you have a lot of it, you'll experience a "sativa head effect with an indica-style body sensation," according to Leafly users.

5. ACDC

ACDC is a sativa-dominant strain that produces no psychoactive effects, meaning it doesn't alter mood or perception. It can be used to treat pain, anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and the effects of chemotherapy, according to Leafly.

If you have any other questions about marijuana for arthritis or other ailments, you can find the answers on the Leafly website or phone app.